Project Management Practices and Sustainability of Rangeland-Based Projects' Benefits in Northern Kenya

Abstract: Community rangelands conservation projects in Kenya face challenges such as low technical capacity and awareness on restoration among the stakeholders, officials and administrators, lack of county spatial/land-use plans with clear regulations and the lack of enforcement of spatial plans in place, limited funding at both county & national levels, lack of adoption of rangeland management/restoration policies and lack of synergy among stakeholders involved in rangeland management and restoration required for upscaling restoration projects. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the influence of project management practices on sustainability of rangelands-based projects benefits in Northern Kenya. The study was anchored on adaptive management theory and stakeholder theory. A descriptive research design was utilized. The target population consisted of household members of the five target conservancies who are either direct or indirect beneficiaries of various rangelands-based projects with a sample size of 451. The study response rate was achieved at 81.82% (369) respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data administered to all the sampled respondents. Ten (10) respondents were selected to participate in the pilot study, and were not included in the final data collection. Content, criteria, and construct validity was used to determine questionnaire validity. To assess the reliability of the questionnaire, the Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was utilized. The qualitative data was examined and presented in a narrative format using a content analysis technique. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics, including correlation analysis and linear multiple regressions, was employed to establish relationships between variables. The results were displayed in tables, pie charts, and bar graphs, as appropriate. The study found that project design, stakeholder engagement, law and regulations, digital inclusion positive and significantly affects sustainability of community-based rangelands conservation projects benefits. The study concluded that project management practices especially in design and stakeholder engagement play a vital role in determining sustainability outcomes in conservation initiatives. Legal compliance and digital tools also contribute to sustainability, though their effects are less pronounced without strong community involvement. The study recommended that project planners should enhance design quality through clear objectives, realistic budgeting, and alignment with community needs. Inclusive stakeholder engagement strategies, including participatory planning and capacity-building, should be adopted to foster trust and accountability. Strengthening legal enforcement, expanding digital infrastructure, and institutionalizing community conservation practices will improve project sustainability. Keywords: Community rangelands conservation projects, project design, stakeholder engagement, law and regulations, digital knowledge adoption and Sustainability. Title: Project Management Practices and Sustainability of Rangeland-Based Projects’ Benefits in Northern Kenya Author: Paul Sosaita, Josphat Kyalo, Raphael Wahome, Charles Odhong International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025 Page No: 360-375 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 25-July-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16419482 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/project-management-practices-and-sustainability-of-rangeland-based-projects-benefits-in-northern-kenya